out of joint: petplan pet insurance looks at arthritis in pets

Posted by Dr. Kim Smyth
on August 29 2014Staff Veterinarian and Pet Health Writer of Petplan

Today, we’ll take a look at a condition that many pets – just like people! – struggle with as they get older: arthritis.

Arthritis, simply put, is inflammation of the joints. There are several different types of arthritis, but the most common type that affects our pets is a chronic degenerative disease resulting from damaged cartilage. Cartilage damage can result from injury, a congenitally abnormal joint, normal wear and tear in athletic pets, or even just being overweight.

Arthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (or DJD), occurs in both cats and dogs, though it is most commonly diagnosed in dogs. This is not because it occurs more frequently in dogs. In fact, up to 90% of cats over the age of 12 have arthritis. The discrepancy in diagnosis probably occurs because cats are a little better at hiding their diseases than dogs are.

Clinical signs in dogs are as you might suspect, including:
• Reluctance to move/exercise
• Stiffness, especially upon first waking up
• Difficulty climbing the steps or jumping into the car or bed
• Limping
• Pain when touched

Degenerative joint disease has many treatment options. The most important thing that you, the pet parent, can do to help combat pain from arthritis is to keep your pet at a healthy weight. If your pet is overweight, talk with your veterinarian about safe, healthy ways to get your pet’s weight down, including a specific diet plan.

Oral anti-inflammatories exist for both dogs and cats and are helpful in controlling pain. Nutraceuticals, such as glucosamine/chondroitin and omega-three fatty acids, are also helpful to provide a little bit of extra cushion and lubrication in the affected joints. Other therapies, such as injections of cartilage protectants, acupuncture, laser therapy and physical therapy are also useful in treating DJD. If you suspect your pet is showing signs of DJD, bring it up with your vet so that the two of you can formulate a treatment plan that works for both of you.

Arthritis rarely occurs as the result of illness, but it is possible. Infectious arthritis occurs when organisms invade the joint and it becomes inflamed. Diagnosis will likely be made via a joint tap, or sampling some of the fluid in the joint for testing. Treatment will rely on identifying the offending organisms and starting the appropriate antibiotic.

Immune-mediated arthritis also occurs. Intermittent signs, such as fever and shifting leg lameness, may indicate an immune-mediated inflammation in the joints. Underlying disease, such as lupus, Lyme disease or chronic infectious disease may be to blame, although most of cases of immune-mediated arthritis are known as idiopathic, meaning that no underlying cause can be found. Treatment centers on decreasing the body’s immune response, either through steroids or immunomodulating drugs.

With a little attention to joint care – particularly for those stoic cats! – you can help your pets enjoy an active life well into their senior years.

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Comments

Posted by William C Smith

on January 23 2015 00:51

my cojack is a jumper going after frisbees and balls, but when she started having trouble jumping into bed with me, I decided to start giving her Glucosamine. I put her on glycoflex level 3 and now after a few months she is as active as a puppy again and easily makes the jump into bed. She is 6 now and she has been with Petplan for almost 6 years.

Posted by Vicky Johnson

on January 22 2015 00:17

My 17 month old lab has been on Cetyl M since she was 5 months old. She also takes a probiotic with added glucosamine. She has been insured with GoPetPlan since she was 12 weeks old and I love that they cover the nutraceuticals!

Posted by Amanda Coleman

on May 14 2013 15:28

It is important to get a clear programme of action to deal with arthritis. My horse suffers with it and as well as injections, he is on glucosamine and aloe vera which helps with the absorption of the glucosamine. There is a lot that we can do.

Posted by Reba Pownall

on May 13 2012 12:29

My Lexie has been diagnosed with poly arthritis. She is 3 1/2 yrs old. Vet has her on 1/2 tab 20mg Leflunomide and 1/2 tab of Prednisone 5mg every 3rd day. Is this disease different than the DJD? She is also on supplements, 1 of which is fish oil.
Thank you for the info always.
Petplan is the BEST!!!!!

The information contained in this website is for illustrative purposes only and coverage under any pet insurance policy is expressly subject to the conditions, restrictions, limitations, exclusions and terms of the policy documentation issued by the insurer. Availability of this program is subject to each state’s approval and coverage may vary by state.

Petplan insurance policies are administered by Fetch Insurance Services, LLC (Fetch Insurance Agency, LLC in Michigan), d/b/a Petplan (Petplan Insurance Agency, LLC in California) and underwritten by XL Specialty Insurance Company, which carries the rating of A+ by S&P, and AGCS Marine Insurance Company, a member of the Allianz Group, (rated A+ A.M. Best). Coverages may not be available in all jurisdictions. Information accurate as of November 2016.